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This research evaluates the image quality of non-contrast coronary MR angiography using various sequences at different magnetic field strengths.

May 7, 2026Open Access

Comparison of Non-Contrast Coronary MRA Image Quality at 5T and 3T Based on the SCCT Segmental Model: A Technical Feasibility Study in Healthy Volunteers

Key Points

This research evaluates the image quality of non-contrast coronary MR angiography using various sequences at different magnetic field strengths.
Prospective enrollment of healthy young volunteers for CMRA scanning.
Participants underwent three sequences: 3T BTFE, 3T mDixon, and 5T mDixon.
Image quality assessed using subjective ratings and objective measurements for major coronary arteries.
5T mDixon and 3T BTFE showed better subjective image quality than 3T mDixon.
5T mDixon provided the highest signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio.
3T BTFE had the best vessel edge sharpness compared to other sequences.

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the image quality of non-contrast-enhanced whole-heart coronary MR angiography (CMRA) using three different sequences: coronal-plane balanced turbo field echo (BTFE) at 3T, axial-plane modified Dixon (mDixon) at 3T, and axial-plane mDixon at 5T. Methods: Healthy young volunteers were prospectively enrolled from January 2025 to April 2025. Each participant underwent three CMRA scans—3T BTFE, 3T mDixon, and 5T mDixon—using customized MR protocols, all performed within 48 h. Subjective image quality was assessed based on the society of cardiovascular computed tomography 18-segment model using a four-point scale (1 = non-assessable to 4 = excellent). The assessability rate was defined as the percentage of segments receiving a score ≥ 2. Objective evaluation of the main coronary arteries included measurements of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), vessel edge sharpness (VES), and visible vessel length. The Friedman test and one-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed to compare parameters obtained from 3T BTFE, 3T mDixon, and 5T mDixon. Results: A total of 20 participants (10 men; mean age, 24 ± 2 years) were included. Both 5T mDixon and 3T BTFE showed more favorable subjective image quality than 3T mDixon, particularly in distal and branch-level coronary segments. All three sequences achieved high vessel assessability. Quantitatively, 5T mDixon provided the highest SNR and CNR, while 3T BTFE showed the highest VES. Visible vessel lengths in LAD and RCA were longer with 5T mDixon and 3T BTFE versus 3T mDixon. However, 5T mDixon required the longest acquisition time (12.55 ± 2.80 min), consistent with its higher spatial resolution. Conclusions: In conclusion, in healthy volunteers, both 5T mDixon and 3T BTFE outperformed 3T mDixon in non-contrast CMRA, particularly in distal and branch-level coronary segments. While 5T mDixon provided the highest SNR and CNR, 3T BTFE achieved the greatest VES. These findings support the technical feasibility of both approaches, but further studies in patients are needed to confirm their clinical applicability

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